Delegation visits Salus-oord after complaints

The resident, who chose to remain anonymous, said that her property was thrown with stones, her access to water was maliciously cut off and that children would harass their household on a regular basis.

The complainant showed the delegation footage on a cell phone of a recent confrontation, where the children threatened the resident with physical violence.

Sgt. Matt Gouws and Johan Mills, BBTF chairperson, offered to take the matter up with the children’s parents, as well as the Bela-Bela Municipality, since the property is municipal owned land.

Gouws stated to The Post that in the event that a minor is implicated in a harassment complaint, the parents will be held liable in most cases for the child’s actions.

The children’s parents will be first issued with a warning by the police. Should the parents fail to keep their children from transgressing, criminal charges can and will be layed by the complainant, said Gouws.

A meeting was due to be held with the municipal management on the matter.

• Based on current legislation there is a number of legal implications that can apply to perpetrators in the event where an elderly person is harmed, or suffered loss, or was harassed.

  These rights and repercussions fall under the older person act of 2006 and the protection of harassment act of 2011.

  The domestic violence act of 1998 can also be taken into consideration, depending on the police investigation.

  According to the older persons act, the elderly enjoys protection regarding their personal status, their well-being, safety and security.

  Should a perpetrator, underage or not, infringe on these rights, warnings and criminal charges can be instituted.

  Residents are encouraged to report any wrong doing against the elderly to the police.